Wildlife - What’s the big deal?
More of us are moving into urban areas and this puts a lot of pressure on our existing green spaces which are crucial for supporting wildlife. Disrupting or damaging local green spaces can prevent wildlife from absorbing carbon effectively, making our fight against climate change even harder.
It’s also bad news for the pollinators that help plants reproduce. Over the last 30 years, more than 40% of insect species are declining and a third are endangered due to a loss of habitat, our use of pesticides, climate change and the way we grow and source natural resources. Without pollinators such as bees and butterflies, crops including apples, soft fruits, beans, courgettes, tomatoes and strawberries would be harder to grow and more expensive to buy.
Green urban areas have also been proven to make us feel good - recent research by Defra shows that living near to green spaces significantly improves mental wellbeing. It’s therefore important that we look after natural habitats to give wildlife a helping hand and for our health and wellbeing too.
Help protect wildlife in Leeds
Give it a grow, whatever your space
Not a green bone in your body? Not to worry, growing is all about trowel and error. Here’s some simple tips to get you started.
Growing your own food or herbs can help you save money on groceries, produce tasty food, and can help local wildlife.
FoodWise Leeds have a number of projects, such as their Little Veg Libraries, that can help you get growing.
Want to grow but don’t have space at home? You could rent an allotment or join a local community growing group.
Create a home for wildlife
Loss of habitat is the number one threat to wildlife. Welcome wildlife to your garden by adding a bird box, woodpile, pond or bug hotel. Fancy making your own? Here’s a simple guide to making your own bird feeder and making your own bug hotel.
Volunteer your time
As well as volunteering to plant trees, you can also volunteer your time to look after existing green spaces in Leeds.
Whether it’s pruning, planting, or maintaining paths – there’s lots of things you can do to help.
Visit Leeds City Council’s Parks and Countryside page to find out more.
Keep your garden green
More and more of us are choosing to pave over our front gardens or swap natural grass for plastic grass (artificial turf). Let nature be nature by sticking to natural grass and avoid cutting down trees and hedges. Not only will wildlife love you for it, you’ll also reduce your risk of flash flooding. Check out our tips for designing gardens in a more wildlife-friendly and flood resilient way.
Why not start a mini wildflower meadow and create a home for insects, birds and small animals that will look gorgeous too? Here’s a simple guide to get you started.
Use a water butt to hydrate your garden
Your plants will thank you and you will save money on your water bill too. Order a discounted water butt from Yorkshire Water or pick one up from your local DIY shop.
Turn off the lights
Artificial light can be distracting for nocturnal insects (insects that are active during the night), so if you have external lighting make sure this is on a motion sensor and only lights up the area it needs to.
Help us plant new woodlands
Creating woodlands helps capture and store carbon, support wildlife and benefits the health and wellbeing of everyone in Leeds.
Leeds City Council has committed to practically doubling tree cover across the city to expand the White Rose Forest.
You can help make this ambition a reality by volunteering to plant trees, sponsoring trees or helping to identify land for planting. Visit the Arium Website to get involved.
Stay natural
Avoid using herbicides, pesticides or slug pellets, and limit the use of weed-killer wherever you can. These tend to kill both the bad guys (pests) and good guys (insects) so it’s better to use a natural option. Click here to read more about natural ways to protect your plants.
